Measles outbreak review ordered, PM assures action if negligence found

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament today (17 June) that the impact of any changes in vaccine procurement procedures under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) on measles vaccination will be reviewed based on data and technical evaluation, and action will be taken if negligence is found.

The prime minister's written response was tabled in reply to a question from Jamalpur-3 MP Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul.

He had enquired about who bore responsibility for the deaths of over 500 children from measles nationwide and what measures the government had implemented to hold those accountable.

Tarique Rahman said the government prioritises the implementation of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to prevent outbreaks of measles.

He also noted that both policy and operational matters related to immunisation are subject to regular review.

He said vaccine procurement, storage and distribution under EPI follow international standards and government regulations, and any negative impact from changes in procurement procedures will be examined.

The prime minister added that the government has already taken steps to ensure vaccine supply continuity, strengthen stockpile management, expand disease surveillance, and enhance rapid outbreak detection and response systems.

Special immunisation drives to increase measles vaccine coverage and protect at-risk populations are ongoing, he said.